With our 25 years of experience working with Laser Therapy lasers and operators in both public hospital and private clinics settings, we can:
SERVICES
Laser Safety Services for Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Veterinary and Podiatry Clinics
We have developed laser safety courses and clinic laser safety services specifically for physiotherapists, chiropractors, veterinarians, and podiatrists who use Laser Therapy Class 3B and Class 4 lasers as part of their practice.
Laser Therapy safety course for Clinics
- We consistently achieve 5 stars in our course feedback, and our clients say they find the content informative, comprehensive, concise and relevant to their practice.
- Our courses are the only Laser Therapy laser safety courses approved by the British Medical Laser Association (BMLA).
- All our courses follow the Core of Knowledge (COK) syllabus, and are tailored for Laser Therapy laser operators.
- Appropriate laser safety training is essential for all laser operators to ensure full competency and compliance with legislation.
How we can help you
- Provide expert laser safety services and advice to ensure that your laser therapy service (hot or cold) is safe, compliant, and appropriate for your service.
- We provide both onsite laser safety services, including carrying out risk assessments, laser safety audits and training. As well providing online risk assessment and audit tools. Both options ensure that the laser safety controls are appropriate for your laser therapy service.
- We are constantly evolving our services to meet your needs, and if there is service you want and don’t see listed, we are happy to discuss how we can help.
Register for a free consultation to discuss how we can help.
Tailored online laser safety checklist.
We are developing an online laser safety checklist, tailored to your laser risk assessment and safe systems of work, which will help ensure that safety measures are consistently carried out and provide evidence of safe practice. Please contact us to register your interest and to try it out for free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Therapy Safety and Compliance
Does the Artificial Optical Radiation Directive (AORD) apply to laser therapy devices?
Yes. The AORD applies to all equipment that emits artificial optical radiation, including therapeutic lasers and light-based devices used in clinical practice.
Laser therapy devices typically operate at lower power levels than surgical or aesthetic systems, but they still emit coherent optical radiation capable of causing harm, particularly to the eyes.
The level of risk may be lower, but the legal duty remains the same. Clinics must assess the risks and implement appropriate control measures based on how the devices are used.
What does the AORD require laser therapy clinics to do for safety and compliance?
The AORD requires employers, including the self-employed, to assess and manage the risks associated with artificial optical radiation.
In a laser therapy setting, this means:
- Carrying out a suitable and sufficient laser risk assessment
- Defining the Laser Controlled Area
- Implementing proportionate control measures to reduce risk
- Providing appropriate training for staff based on their role
- Ensuring suitable eye protection is available and used where required
- Maintaining documentation that demonstrates how risks are being managed
The focus is on proportionality. Controls should reflect the actual level of risk while still ensuring safe and consistent practice.
Who is responsible for laser safety in a laser therapy clinic?
The clinic owner or employer holds overall responsibility for compliance with the AORD.
This includes ensuring that risks are assessed, control measures are in place, and staff are appropriately trained.
In practice, day-to-day responsibilities may be delegated to a named individual, often referred to as a Laser Protection Supervisor. However, accountability remains with the employer.
Many laser therapy clinics do not have in-house laser safety expertise, which is why external support from a Laser Protection Adviser is often required to ensure that responsibilities are being met correctly.
What laser safety training is required for laser therapy practitioners and other staff?
The AORD requires suitable training for anyone who may be exposed to artificial optical radiation.
In a laser therapy clinic:
- Practitioners using the devices require structured laser safety training covering the Core of Knowledge
- Staff working in the treatment environment require awareness-level training so they understand the hazards, control measures, and safe working practices
- Training should reflect the specific devices in use and the outcomes of the clinic’s risk assessment
Training is assigned based on the individual’s role in relation to the laser, ensuring that everyone has the knowledge required to work safely within the clinic environment.
What eye protection is required for red and infrared laser therapy treatments?
Eye protection must be selected based on the wavelength and output characteristics of the device being used.
In many laser therapy applications, particularly with red and infrared wavelengths, there is a risk of retinal exposure if appropriate controls are not in place.
Protective eyewear should:
- Be matched to the wavelength of the device
- Provide sufficient attenuation for the output power
- Be suitable for the treatment being carried out
The requirement for eyewear, and the type needed, should always be determined through the clinic’s laser risk assessment rather than assumed based on device type alone.
What records should a laser therapy clinic keep for laser safety compliance?
Clinics should maintain a clear set of documents that demonstrate how laser risks are being managed.
This typically includes:
- Laser risk assessments
- A Laser Safety Policy
- Local Rules where applicable
- Training records for all staff
- Equipment service and maintenance records
- Incident and fault logs
The level of documentation should reflect the scale and complexity of the clinic, while still providing clear evidence of compliance.
When should a laser therapy clinic engage a Laser Protection Adviser?
A Laser Protection Adviser should be engaged when specialist laser safety expertise is required.
This is particularly important when:
- Introducing laser therapy devices into the clinic
- Carrying out or reviewing laser risk assessments
- Establishing or updating safety policies and Local Rules
- Expanding services or adding new treatments
- Preparing for inspection or addressing compliance concerns
An LPA provides independent, expert guidance to ensure that safety measures are appropriate, proportionate, and aligned with current standards and guidance.
